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Seth Duncan

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Seth Duncan

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Elections and appointments
Last election

May 6, 2025

Education

High school

Duncan Christian Academy

Personal
Birthplace
Lincoln, Neb.
Religion
Christian
Profession
Paraprofessional
Contact

Seth Duncan ran for election to the Lincoln Public Schools to represent District 3 in Nebraska. He lost in the general election on May 6, 2025.

Duncan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Seth Duncan was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He earned a high school diploma from the Duncan Christian Academy. His career experience includes working as a paraprofessional. Duncan has been affiliated with the Lancaster County Republican Party.[1]

Elections

2025

See also: Lincoln Public Schools, Nebraska, elections (2025)

General election

General election for Lincoln Public Schools, District 3

Incumbent Barbara Baier defeated Seth Duncan in the general election for Lincoln Public Schools, District 3 on May 6, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Barbara Baier (Nonpartisan)
 
68.9
 
2,501
Seth Duncan (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
30.3
 
1,100
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.8
 
29

Total votes: 3,630
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Lincoln Public Schools, District 3

Incumbent Barbara Baier and Seth Duncan defeated Andrea Evans in the primary for Lincoln Public Schools, District 3 on April 8, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Barbara Baier (Nonpartisan)
 
49.8
 
1,594
Seth Duncan (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
32.6
 
1,045
Andrea Evans (Nonpartisan)
 
16.6
 
533
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.0
 
31

Total votes: 3,203
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Duncan in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Seth Duncan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Duncan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

My name is Seth Duncan, and I’m the sixth of seven children in a close-knit, faith-based family. I was proudly homeschooled, which gave me a strong educational foundation, a deep appreciation for family, and a firsthand understanding of the importance of personalized learning.

As a Christian, my faith guides every part of my life—from how I treat others to why I chose a career in education. I currently work as a special education paraprofessional, where I have the privilege of supporting students with diverse needs and helping them thrive both in and out of the classroom.

I’m passionate about advocating for our students, supporting our teachers, and serving the community with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
  • The current emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within our educational framework. While I appreciate the intentions behind these programs, I believe they can sometimes divert our focus from the essential mission of providing a rigorous academic education. My goal is to shift our focus back to academic excellence. We need to prioritize core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. A strong academic foundation is crucial for their future success.
  • The alarming teacher shortages we are facing. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and without them, our students cannot succeed. We must take action to support our educators by offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and creating a positive work environment. This means listening to their concerns and ensuring they feel valued and respected. By investing in our teachers, we invest in our students' futures.
  • I am committed to responsible budgeting and fiscal management. Our schools must make the most of the resources available to them. This means ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively. I will work diligently to identify areas where we can reduce waste and prioritize spending on programs and initiatives that directly benefit our students. By being fiscally responsible, we can ensure that our schools have the resources they need to provide a top-notch education.
Against DEI, Teacher/Paraprofessional Retention, Student Safety and Budget Transparency.
I look up to leaders who stand firm in their values, serve with integrity, and put people before politics. One example is Governor Ron DeSantis—he’s shown what it means to lead with courage, especially in education. He stood up for parents’ rights, pushed back against political agendas in schools, and kept students' success at the center of his decisions.

I admire that kind of bold, principled leadership. If elected, I’d follow that example by listening to the community, defending our values, and never backing down from doing what’s right for students, families, and teachers.
Conscience of a Conservative" by Barry Goldwater It's a foundational text for understanding modern American conservatism
1. Integrity

Do what’s right, even when no one is watching.
Be honest with your constituents and keep your promises.
Lead with moral clarity—rooted in faith, truth, and accountability.
2. Limited Government

Advocate for local control and push back against government overreach.
Trust families, educators, and communities to know what’s best—not bureaucrats.
Protect freedoms and individual rights, especially in schools and homes.
3. Fiscal Responsibility

Be a good steward of taxpayer money.
Demand budget transparency and accountability.
Prioritize funding for what matters—like teachers, classrooms, and student safety.
4. Respect for Rule of Law

Uphold the Constitution and laws at every level.
Ensure policies are fair, consistent, and enforceable.
Promote safe and orderly learning environments by supporting discipline and structure in schools.
5. Family Values

Recognize the importance of strong families and parental rights.
Respect parents as the primary decision-makers in their children’s education.
Defend traditional values and faith-based perspectives.
6. Courage

Stand up for what you believe in—even when it’s not popular.
Be willing to challenge the status quo or oppose radical agendas like DEI.
Protect kids from harmful ideologies, not just policies.
7. Service-Oriented Leadership

Remember that public office is about service, not power.
Listen to constituents and act on their concerns.
Be accessible, humble, and ready to learn.
8. Support for Freedom and Opportunity

Fight for equal opportunity, not equal outcomes.
Promote merit, hard work, and personal responsibility in schools and communities.

Ensure that every student has a real shot at success—regardless of background.
I bring a combination of passion, principle, and real-world experience that I believe will make me a successful officeholder. As a special education paraprofessional, I work in classrooms every day—I see what’s working and what’s not. I’m young, energetic, and deeply committed to fighting for kids, teachers, and families.

I also bring strong values—faith, family, and a belief in personal responsibility and local control. I’m not a career politician. I’m someone who’s willing to listen, speak up, and do the hard work to make our schools better for everyone
As a board of education official, your mission is simple but powerful: protect the children, empower the parents, support the teachers, and defend the values that built this country.
I want to leave a legacy of putting students, families, and teachers first—always. I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for what’s right, who listened to the community, and who never backed down from a fight when it came to protecting our kids and defending our values.

If I can look back and say I helped make our schools more focused on academics, more transparent with the public, safer, and more respectful of parents and teachers, then I’ll consider my service a success. I’m not in this for recognition—I’m in it to make a real difference.
Line Cook at Chick fil A and I was there for 22 months.
Both The Bible and To Kill a Mockingbird have shaped who I am, but if I had to choose, I’d say the Bible is my favorite book.

It’s the foundation of my faith, values, and purpose—teaching me about grace, strength, justice, and service. It’s guided me through challenges, helped shape how I treat others, and reminds me every day that leadership is about humility and doing what’s right.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a close second—it taught me the importance of standing up for truth, even when it's hard. Both books have inspired me to fight for others and lead with courage.
I’d choose Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. He stands for truth, justice, and doing what’s right, even when it’s unpopular or difficult. He’s calm under pressure, leads with integrity, and always puts others before himself—especially when it comes to protecting the vulnerable.

That kind of steady, principled leadership is what I strive for—both in life and in serving my community.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been proving myself at a young age. Being 23, people sometimes assume I don’t have the experience or voice to lead—but I’ve worked hard to earn respect by showing up, listening, and doing the work.

As a special education paraprofessional, I’ve faced tough situations that require patience, strength, and heart. Those experiences have shaped who I am. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about age or title—it’s about showing up for people and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. That’s what I plan to keep doing.
A Republican school board member’s primary job is to protect students, respect parents, support educators, and safeguard our local schools from government overreach and political ideology.
Liz Davids, Jim Ballard
1. Open Communication: Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Regularly check in with students and staff to understand their needs.

2. Professional Development: Offer training and workshops that focus on mental health awareness for faculty and staff.

3. Resource Accessibility: Ensure that all resources, whether academic or emotional, are easily accessible to everyone in the community.

4. Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations and businesses to provide additional support and resources for your district.


5. Support Services: Provide counseling and mentorship programs to help students and staff navigate challenges they may face.
As a Republican candidate, I will build relationships by being present, accessible, and transparent. I’ll engage directly with parents, teachers, small business owners, veteran groups, and civic organizations. My goal is to listen, build trust, and ensure the values of our community are reflected in our schools.
As a Republican, I would measure good teaching by:

Student performance data (test scores, reading/math benchmarks)
Classroom observations
Parent and student feedback
Teacher accountability and professionalism

To support advanced teaching, I would back evidence-based methods, provide ongoing training that respects teachers' time, and invest in tools that actually improve learning—not trendy, unproven programs. The goal is to raise standards, not lower them.
I support expanding curriculum in career and technical education (CTE), skilled trades, and apprenticeship programs to prepare students for real-world success. Not every student needs a four-year degree—many need hands-on, high-paying career paths. I’d also promote financial literacy, civics education, and entrepreneurship to build responsible, capable future citizens.
I would push for responsible, transparent budgeting that prioritizes the classroom—not bloated administration. I’d advocate for:

Zero-based budgeting to justify every expense
Audits and spending reviews to cut waste
Directing funds to teachers, student resources, and safety
Pursuing public-private partnerships for vocational programs and innovation

We must ensure every tax dollar goes where it matters most—educating our kids.
As a Republican, my school safety policies are driven by these key principles:

Discipline and Accountability: Enforce clear rules and consequences to maintain order and respect.
Local Control: Empower schools and communities—not federal mandates—to determine the best safety strategies.
Support for School Resource Officers: Prioritize having trained officers on campus to protect students and staff.
Proactive Measures: Invest in mental health support, threat assessments, and secure facilities.
Parental Involvement: Keep parents informed and involved in safety plans and protocols.

A safe school is one where students can learn, teachers can teach, and families have peace of mind.
Invest in mental health support, build a strong team/community to help with mental health issues.
Why did the special education paraprofessional bring a ladder to work?
Because they’re always helping students reach new heights!
As a candidate focused on accountability, transparency, and student success, here are a few district policy changes I would prioritize:

Policies I Would Like to Change:
Curriculum Transparency: Ensure all teaching materials, reading lists, and lesson plans are easily accessible to parents.
Discipline Policies: Restore clear, consistent discipline that supports teachers and creates a safe, respectful learning environment.
DEI Agendas: Remove politically driven diversity, equity, and inclusion policies that distract from academics and divide students.
New Policies I Would Like to Implement:
Parental Rights Policy: Guarantee parents the right to review curriculum, opt out of controversial content, and be involved in decisions.
Career & Technical Education Expansion: Grow vocational programs, skilled trades training, and apprenticeships to offer more pathways to success.
Budget Accountability Policy: Require regular, public budget audits to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent where they matter most—on students and teachers.

These changes are about restoring trust, common sense, and academic focus to our schools.
An ideal learning environment emphasizes academic excellence, discipline, and safety. It’s a place where students are taught core subjects, where teachers are respected and supported, and where parents are partners in the education process. Every child should feel secure, challenged, and prepared for real-world success through hard work and personal responsibility.
Reflecting on how the school district handled the coronavirus pandemic, I believe there were both strengths and missed opportunities. While the intent to protect public health was understandable, many decisions—like prolonged school closures and inconsistent virtual learning—had serious consequences for students, teachers, and families.

If given the opportunity in the future, I would:

Prioritize keeping schools open safely, understanding that in-person learning is essential for both education and mental health.
Respect parental choice—giving families options while not mandating one-size-fits-all policies.
Improve transparency and communication, so parents, teachers, and staff aren't left in the dark.
Support teachers and staff with clear guidance and resources, not constantly changing mandates.

Going forward, we need to ensure that students' education, development, and well-being remain the top priority—no matter the crisis
Prioritize transparency in curriculum, budgeting, and policy decisions.

Host regular parent forums and listening sessions to hear concerns directly.
Support parental rights by advocating for their involvement in all aspects of school life.
Be accessible and responsive, whether through email, phone, or face-to-face conversations.

Parents deserve a seat at the table—and I’ll make sure they have one.
Hiring based on qualifications and performance, not ideology or quotas.

Partnering with local colleges, military veterans, and trade programs to recruit talent who align with community values.

Offering competitive, sustainable compensation to retain quality staff.

Creating a culture of respect and support so good educators want to stay and grow within the district.
I am committed to responsible budgeting and fiscal management. Our schools must make the most of the resources available to them. This means ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively. I will work diligently to identify areas where we can reduce waste and prioritize spending on programs and initiatives that directly benefit our students. By being fiscally responsible, we can ensure that our schools have the resources they need to provide a top-notch education.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 13, 2025